Hummus Recipe (Simple Chickpeas Dip)

Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip generally served along with Pita Bread. It is a simple and delicious appetizer made with cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans), Tahini paste (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and salt. It can also be served with Falafel, flat bread, tortilla chips, fresh or partially steamed veggies, etc. You can always alter the recipe according to your taste. Say you can add more lemon juice or garlic if you like it tangy or garlicky. You can also make it more exciting by adding Jalapenos or olives or sun dried tomatoes, etc. I have added pickled jalapenos to my hummus since I like it spicy. Try this recipe at home and let me know your comments.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Yield: 2 1/2 to 3 cups

Method of Preparation:

1. Drain canned chickpeas, wash and reserve the liquid.
2. If you are using dried chickpeas, then soak it overnight and add it to boiled water and let it rest for sometime until semi soft. Drain and reserve the liquid.
3. Now grind cooked chickpeas, garlic cloves, tahini sauce, lime juice in a food processor. Add some reserved liquid if it is too thick.
4. When it is coarse, add jalapenos and 2 tbsp of olive oil and grind until smooth.
5. Transfer it to a serving dish and add the remaining olive oil and sprinkle some cumin powder, chili powder and chopped jalapenos.